Croatian Independence Day in Croatian: Dan neovisnosti is a national public holiday celebrated annually on 8 October. On this day Croatia celebrates the decision of the Croatian Parliament to finish the bond with SFR Yugoslavia.
In May 1991 the referendum of Croatia on independence was held. 93% of voters were for the independence. As a result on June 25 the Croatian Parliament: in Croatian Sabor proclaimed the independence.
On 7 July, Croatia as well as Slovenia signed the Brioni Declaration. This agreement created a moratorium that lasted three months regarding any declarations on secession or parliamentary acts as the negotiators in Europe attempted to reach an agreement on Yugoslavia’s future. During that time the Croatian War of Independence started.
On 8 October, the Sabor decided to end relations with Yugoslavia, in the decision on the termination of the state and legal ties with other republics and provinces of Yugoslavia.
The Independence Day was implemented by the Ivica Račan’s government in 2001. It was celebrated for the first time in 2002. Statehood Day is commemorated on 25 June.
Source: Wikipedia, Croatia Week, Embassy of Croatia in the Netherlands
Photo: Wikipedia